This survey aims to build a better understanding of current sexual and reproductive health awareness and practices among education providers, organisations and agents providing services to international students.

This includes the frequency, type of information, services and resources used, as well as ways to improve information and services.

Participation involves completing a 15-20 minute online survey. You do not need to provide any identifying details.

All information provided will remain anonymous and confidential.

Please click on the linkherefor more detailed information about this study and to access the online survey.

Please feel free to share this post with people who may be interested in participating.

This study has been approved by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee HREC reference number: 19/007

The news of the vile hateful events in Christchurch came through as we were about to start the ISANA council meeting in Melbourne.

ISANA shares the grief associated with this despicable act and appeals to our members and friends on both sides of the Tasman to reach out and share love/ aroha among all in our international family nearby: students, migrants and peoples of all religions and races.

One of ISANA’s objectives is to “educate and advocate for the wellbeing of international students and those who work with them”.

At this time our international students need to know they are loved and cared for and our nations will do all we can to ensure living and studying occurs in a safe, loving and caring context. We have a part to play in this as we advocate for their well-being.

While we today weep let us all work together to make our world a better place. Our roles in international education which provide support and care for the diversity of nations are so important at a time like this.

To our members and friends and anyone who reads this please be an agency of love to all around you irrespective of race or religion. Only as we truly love one another will we redress reduce and remove evil, hateful actions from our diverse communities.

The words of the New Zealand National anthem remind us of what we should strive and pray for at this time. May we all do our part even if it’s a little bit of loving, a hug, a hi and a ‘how are you?’ These small acts may be all we need to do to help to reduce dissension, envy and hate.

We encourage international students to contact their institutions to access support services.

Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is leading a National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces. Information about the National Inquiry and the full Terms of Reference can be foundhere.The Commission would like to invite you or a representative from your organisation to a consultation that focuses specifically on migrant workers and people on temporary visas’ experiences of workplace sexual harassment. We would also be grateful for your assistance to share the details of this consultation with your networks.The consultation will take place onFriday 15 February 2019, 9:30am – 11amat Settlement Services International, 2/158 Liverpool Road Ashfield NSW 2131. You can register to attend the consultation via thislink.If you have any questions, please contact the Commission’s National Inquiry team atSH.Inquiry@humanrights.gov.auor on (02) 9284 9750.Online submissions— the closing date for online submissions to the National Inquiry is28 February 2019. You can make an online submission to the National Inquiryhere.National Inquiry information and updates— for news and updates, you can subscribe to the National Inquiry websitehere.The Commission is confident that this National Inquiry, by bringing together evidence, expertise and a range of views, will achieve the positive change that is clearly needed and looks forward to working together with you to develop solutions which will help ensure safe and respectful Australian workplaces.

Under the law (National Code) education providers must provide access to affordable mental health support services and, students must be told about this at orientation.

All providers should have this info listed on websites or hand books under “student support services” or “health and welfare”. Good providers regularly remind students about these services through various channels.

The ISANA International Education Association is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Israeli exchange student Miss Aiia Maasarwe.

The circumstances surrounding her death are unfolding and we urge the public to support the ongoing
investigations of the Victoria Police.
‘From news reports, ISANA does not believe that Miss Masarwe was targeted because she was an
international student.’ says Bronwyn Gilson, National President.

‘Australia is a safe country for international students, but international students as do all of us, need to be aware of our surroundings and take precautions when travelling alone and especially late at night.’

ISANA has extended its support and condolences to the international student support staff at La Trobe
University where Miss Masarwe was studying. ‘Our network of members is always available to work or talk with colleagues to support them through
difficult events such as this,’ adds Bronwyn.

ISANA extends its deepest condolences to the staff at La Trobe University and to the family and friends of Aiia Masarwe.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bronwyn Gilson at 0400 852 226 or
email at president@isana.org.au

The ISANA International Education Association has noted the findings and recommendations
of the Victorian Coroner into the untimely death of Mr. Zhikai LU.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the circumstances leading to his death.
ISANA supports the findings of the Coroners Prevention Unit (CPU).
Mental health concerns amongst international students are an ongoing issue for education providers in the sector.

Early identification, intervention and support are crucial for the well-being of these young people.
The report confirms the difficulties that international students encounter in settling into a new culture.
The report also notes the many issues that hamper international students seeking help for their difficulties.
ISANA agrees with these findings.
As Australia welcomes increasing numbers of international students, it is expected that we would also see a corresponding increase in numbers of students with mental health concerns.
This reflects any demographic profile.
The important issues for ISANA are as follows;

 Education providers need to understand the issues and challenges for international students

 International students rely on trusted sources for information, often their social networks and home country sources

 International students do not necessarily identify feelings and behaviours as symptoms of mental health concerns

 Mental health is not often discussed or addressed in the respective cultures of the students

 Underlying mental health issues can manifest themselves in times of stress, such as living and studying in a new culture and particularly when the student is not performing well or encounters other stressors, that they have little experience or support in addressing

ISANA believes that we need to understand how international students access assistance so that they are better prepared to intervene or get help.

To this end, ISANA through its Victoria/Tasmania Branch is undertaking a research project funded by Study Melbourne’s International Student Welfare Program. This project in partnership with A/Professor Shanton Chang from the University of Melbourne and A/Professor Catherine Gomes from RMIT will be looking at the knowledge of international students of critical incidents and how they seek help. The aim is to develop with students and emergency services, a specialised mobile accessible website, with comprehensive social media strategies.

The website aims to educate and inform international students on what to do during a critical incident and will have a section that teaches student support staff and local councils on how to educate international students in dealing with critical incidents.

ISANA notes that a key finding for the CPU is the role that education providers should play in reaching out and supporting their international students. ‘We believe that understanding the challenges faced by international students in
identifying they need help and then accessing support is fundamental to developing appropriate strategies.

We also believe that more needs to be done in supporting the staff that support the students,’ says Bronwyn Gilson, National President of ISANA.
‘We need to understand the different cultures of our international students and provide the professional development and resources for staff so that they can develop and provide
culturally appropriate support and assistance to students.’

For more information:
Bronwyn Gilson
National President
ISANA International Education Association
president@isana.org.au

In December 2019, ISANA will hold its 30th Annual Conference. This is a milestone for the Association and for the development and delivery of international student services in Australia.

Since its first modest conference in Melbourne in 1989, ISANA has built a reputation as a body that has lead student-focussed research, knowledge creation and best practice in services to international students. It has built a supportive network and has held a major conference every year in either a major city, a regional centre or at a New Zealand venue in collaboration with ISANA New Zealand.

For three decades the conference has inspired practitioners to develop ground-breaking services and programs, and has always nurtured collaborative relationships with institutions, student bodies and community groups.

Each year, the Conference raises issues, examines major themes in international education from the perspective of students, international education professionals and related stakeholders. This focus ensures that delegates and the wider membership have access to landmark and innovative research and practice. It draws on a wide range of material and provides a national and international discussion.

The 2019 Conference will showcase ISANA’s work over 30 years, reflects on past achievements, celebrates contemporary practice and embraces challenges arising in the future. We invite you to participate by submitting
papers, workshops and stories to our special conference event.

Watch for the Call for papers soon, with a due date for peer reviewed and non-refereed abstracts on 24th May 2019.